Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.

Minutes

 Amended minutes were provided to the Committee and will be acted upon at the December meeting.

Phase I

 Mr. Shurtleff spoke of the planned cut-over of phone switches in one week.  He noted that it had taken longer to complete the work necessary to bring the system to the level required to properly handle all calls.  It was noted that due to the inability to proceed with the original cut-over date additional costs will be incurred when bringing the other contractors necessary for this step to Ithaca once again.  Members inquired whether there would be any form of compensation from the contractor responsible for the delays and recommended if the topic had not been discussed to do so.

General Discussion

 The Committee briefly discussed the status of options related to the Communications Capital Project.  It was noted that options are being sought for those locations presently determined to be the correct placements for towers in order to provide the best signals throughout the County.  

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)

 Mr. Marx, Deputy County Administrator, provided a status report on the proposed relocation of the NYSDOT site from downtown Ithaca to a location in Dryden.  He indicated that at this time extensive delays within the State's Attorney's office regarding a number of areas of negotiation now make it necessary to determine what course of action should be taken by the County.  To date, the County has expended funds as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in August of 2003.  The option on the desired location expires December 31, 2004, and a determination of whether to extend the option or turn the entire matter over to NYSDOT is being sought.  The Committee discussed the fact that the Regional NYSDOT is also frustrated and would like to see the project continue.  Members reviewed events to date and determined that at this time it would be appropriate to have a letter sent to NYSDOT with Mr. Marx and Ms. Blanchard's signatures, explaining the County position of the desire to transfer the option to the State and obtain reimbursement of funds expended to date.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.